Malabar Cancer Centre

Malabar Cancer Centre is an autonomous institution under Health and welfare department of Government of Kerala in India. Kerala state is small southern state in India which has healthcare indices similar to that in Europe. The state is known for its scenic natural beauty, high literacy rate and advances in the field of health care. Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC) is a tertiary cancer centre with facilities for diagnosis, treatment and research in cancer. It is also involved in cancer control activities in the state. MCC is one of the regional centre for cancer in the state of Kerala. MC is involved in following cancer control activities 1. It has a department of Community Oncology for coordinating the cancer control activities 2. Anti-tobacco clinic and training for volunterrs, doctors in tobacco control activities 3. District cancer control activities with civil society involvement- ASWAS a three year long project was done three years back. Now Ayurdeepthm, early cancer detection and treatment coordination activities are underway (Kannur district) 4. Athijeevanam- Cancer control activity in Kasargod district 5. Associate centre project: Enabling NGOs and voluntary organizations to set up early cancer detection clinics in remote rural areas in northern Kerala In collaboration with National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) and a Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) were started functioning since 2011 and 2014 respectively under the Department of Cancer Registry & Epidemiology. The main objectives of these registries were, 1. To generate reliable data on the magnitude and patterns of cancer. 2. Undertake epidemiological studies based on results of registry data. 3. Help in designing, planning, monitoring and evaluation of cancer control activities under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). The Department of Community Oncology has been regularly organizing cancer screening camps, awareness classes, exhibition for cancer awareness among public, and the same conducted on request of NGO’s or institutions. In addition the department has an anti-tobacco cell and conducts tobacco control awareness campaign and tobacco-free world campaign among school students and public. The department has also conducted cancer screening workshop for nursing staff. World no tobacco day & National cancer awareness day were observed. A proposal has been submitted to the Government of Kerala to include Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of cancer control in the school curriculum under Kerala State Education Board syllabus. The same accepted by the government and is under process.